Tag: guitar

Guest blogger Michael Wright writes about a very rare, early Teisco guitar. Or, should we say… “guiter”? For many, many years—can you say “Still today?”—any electric guitar that smelled of being made in Japan (or not obviously American) was labeled as being “made by Teisco.” This was the equivalent of the labelling of […]

This “Essential Guide for Guitar Recording” by guest blogger Diego Cardini will show you how to make great recordings, the easy way. Whether you have just learned a few licks or have been playing for years, many of us are interested in recording our guitars. Not only is it a great way to capture our […]

By Michael Wright The Different Strummer Blame it on disco. I remember it well…as an observer, of course! The excesses of early ‘70s hard rock inspired a vapid dance craze reaction toward the end of the decade with mirror balls and platform shoes and, well, you know, Studio 54, glitter spandex, and Donna Summer and […]

Have you ever listened to or overheard a conversation between seasoned musicians? The phrases, terminology and body language are very different from non musicians. Depending on what type of musician you are talking to, the words, lingo and animations vary. For example a conversation between two jazz performers might sound like this: That cat can […]

It may seem hypocritical, but in fact, the advancement of the human race would not be possible if it weren’t for laziness. We all have that burning desire to want to accomplish something, but along with that desire comes the inherent need to do it in the simplest, most efficient way possible. Of course it’s not easy […]

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned player, there’s always more you can learn when it comes to playing the guitar. For both the pro and the newbie, however, there are things that can both help and hinder the advancement of your learning. Those who are just starting out need to set themselves […]

It’s kind of a funny feeling; that “Eureka!” moment we all get when we discover something we had no idea existed, yet turns out to be blatantly obvious. Something that works like a charm, and solves problems we’ve been having for years. For the briefest of moments, we feel like a real-life MacGyver; nothing can get in our […]

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” There’s a hidden message in that phrase that applies to your guitar – don’t break it! It’s a terrifying thing when your pride and joy gets damaged. In many cases a guitar can be rendered useless, or end up sporting little dings and blemishes that you would simply rather […]

Last week I opined about my penchant for unusual, not to say, ugly guitars like the Fenton-Weill Tux-master from England. Now, I don’t mean to throw (rolling) stones—the States has produced its share of butt-ugly guitars—but Merry Old England has contributed mightily to the cause. And even though he’s revered in the U.K. as their very own Leo Fender, Jim Burns has had a hand in more than a few guitar models that might crack a mirror if they could see themselves. One case in point: the Burns Flyte.

This Imperial came out of a little piece of Dickens in Philadelphia called Torresdale Music in the neighborhood with that name, in the “near northeast” as we call it, near the Burlington-Bristol Bridge (cheapest toll bridge over the Delaware River to New Jersey and back). Torresdale was a tiny, ancient corner shop just up the street from Chink’s Steaks, a legendary cheesesteak sandwich purveyor, the name of whose establishment has been the source of some local ethnic controversy. (Really good cheesesteaks consumed while sitting in 1940s-vintage wooden booths, highly recommended.)